The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission have signed a $12 million grant agreement to enhance food security in the region through the Rice Resilient Value Chains Development Project (REWARD).
The agreement, formalized at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen rice production and value chains across all 15 ECOWAS member states. The REWARD initiative aims to stimulate both public and private investments in rice farming, leveraging innovative business models to boost local production and reduce reliance on rice imports.
A Step Towards Food Sovereignty
The REWARD project is a component of a $650 million multinational programme designed to achieve rice self-sufficiency and ensure food security across West Africa. Despite the region's vast agricultural potential, heavy dependence on rice imports continues to strain economies and food systems. The initiative seeks to address this challenge through:
Policy reforms to support local rice production
Improved agricultural input regulations
Enhanced regional digital monitoring systems
High-Level Commitment to Regional Development
The agreement was signed by ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, and AfDB's Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, who represented AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Touray reaffirmed ECOWAS' commitment to accelerating REWARD's implementation, emphasizing its alignment with the bloc's 4X4 Strategy, which prioritizes:
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1. Regional peace and security
2. Deeper economic integration
3. Good governance
4. Inclusive and sustainable development
He also praised Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for his role in Africa's economic transformation, stating:
"Food and rice production are part of food security, which is also related to peace and stability. An important project such as REWARD must be implemented quickly."
Dr. Kamara echoed AfDB's commitment to strengthening regional food systems, adding that the REWARD project aligns with the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) and the ECOWAS Rice Roadmap (2025-2035).
Transforming the Rice Sector
With the $12 million funding, ECOWAS member states now have a unique opportunity to:
Boost rice production and processing
Reduce dependence on external markets
Create jobs and strengthen local economies
Ensure long-term food security and resilience
The success of REWARD is expected to feed millions, stabilize economies, and position West Africa as a leader in sustainable rice production.
